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NeCede's

Maxim 7.1.21

He who betrays his country is like the insane sailor who bores a hole in the ship which carries him.

Qui molitur insidias in patriam, id facit quod insanus nauta perforans navem in qua vehitur.

Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 3 Co. Inst. 36 Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Treason is self-destructive folly — the traitor undermines the very order upon which his own safety depends.

Where this applies

  • A government official is selling state secrets to a foreign power — they're destroying the very system that protects them.
  • An elected representative working against the interests of their own constituents.

Topics

Treason

Legal domains

constitutionalcriminal

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.1.21 — He who betrays his country is like the insane sailor who bores a hole in the ship which carries him. — Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 3 Co. Inst. 36 (Qui molitur insidias in patriam, id facit quod insanus nauta perforans navem in qua vehitur.)

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